French infinitives are the base forms of verbs, equivalent to "to + verb" in English (e.g., manger = to eat, aller = to go, parler = to speak). They are not conjugated and typically end in -er, -ir, or -re. Infinitives are used after certain verbs (e.g., vouloir, pouvoir), after prepositions (e.g., pour, avant de), and to express general actions.
  • Are the base (neutral) form of the verb: aimer, finir, attendre.
  • Typical endings: -er, -ir, -re.
  • Used after modal verbs: Je veux manger.
  • Used after prepositions: Il est parti pour voyager.
  • Do not change according to subject or tense.
*nager* is the correct infinitive for 'to swim'.
Infinitives are used after certain verbs, after prepositions, and as the base form of verbs.
Infinitives are the base forms: chanter, finir, vendre.
The infinitive for 'to be' is être.
Infinitives are used after modals, after prepositional expressions, and when listing verbs.

See also